There are different chapters in our lives. Some are long, some are short, some are full of wonder, some are tough, and some stretch us more than we could even imagine; bringing us to places of wisdom, depth, faith, and gratefulness. 

In this chapter of my life I look at the people around me and I'm filled with so much gratitude to have had the opportunity to have you be a meaningful part of my life's journey. To have experienced the unfolding of your gifts to those around you. To enjoy life, to struggle, to cry, to laugh, to encourage, to cheer each other on and to love. There's a special place I hold in my heart uniquely for you. You are dear to me and I consider it a treasure to have been able to know you. You are so valuable, the jewels of life, and who you are impacts those who are in your circle deeply. I'm so grateful I get to be in your circle.

I've been so blessed to be filled with the love of God, and I believe that gift has enabled me to see the good, feel the hurt, the struggle, the pain, the joy, the striving, the awakening, the longing, the fortitude, the determination, the hope, the love, the happiness, and the beauty, with you in this journey called life.

My journey has had an ever evolving relationship with God in it. He has loved me through some very tough stuff. When I pray, I'm throwing my whole heart at Him because He is big enough to hold it; my anger, my hurt, my regret, my longings, my loneliness, my mistakes, my joy, my beauty, my happiness, my tender moments; and my experience is, I'm met with love, and I am humbled. The movement of prayer or the miracle experienced, has been a change within my own heart, where maybe the circumstances have not changed, but I am nearer to our good God who has given me strength and hope. I feel His presence and can see His goodness by the love he wraps me in during the difficult times. By the way He says, "I am here, I am with you." The refuge of Him is where I can be thankful, placing those painful moments in a box that has been wrapped and made beautiful by the grace of God. 

Like the Nat King Cole song goes "the greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return." My hope is you feel loved and valued as we continue this journey with the strength and hope together.  Thank you for sharing your life with me.

~ Jenny